"Can a simple bowl of noodles spark chaos, mischief, and a strange twist of fate?"
———
Mei's Pov:
The smell of spices filled the air as I walked through Heng's market, tasting skewers and buns that made each step feel different.
When I reached a noodle stand, I slowed down, watching the vendor mix noodles with vegetables and thick sauce.
I couldn't resist.
I ordered a bowl and smiled as the vendor piled on vegetables, meat and sauce.
Holding the bowl, I moved through the crowd, searching for a quiet spot.
I should have been paying attention but the market was too lively and I was lost in my mind, until Bam! someone tall bumped into me.
My noodles flew out of my hands and scattered on the ground.
I gasped and looked up.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you," he said, his face showing pure shock as he quickly wiped the mess with a handkerchief.
"You—" I started, realizing who he was.
"You again?"
His face shifted from horror to a sheepish smile and he gently dabbed a stray spot of sauce on my cheek. "It seems fate insists on our meetings being… messy."
"You think?" I shot back, rolling my eyes. Then I tossed his soiled handkerchief back at him.
Closing my eyes, I inhaled slowly, willing my frustration to ebb. "not... today," I muttered under my breath, tightening my grip. "Not today." Irecited the words like a mantra.
He shook his head, sighing as he pulled a coin pouch from his belt. "Let me at least cover another bowl. It's the least I can do."
My ears perked at that. I squinted, sizing him up. No one just offers to replace noodles at Héng prices.
He gestured toward the bustling stalls. "So, which one has the... richest noodles?"
I looked him closely. He had the look of someone who was more than just comfortable, dressed just a notch above the crowd but trying to blend in.
A fine line between polished and trying-too-hard-to-be-common, a man who probably thought himself a big deal.
Probably one of those types raised on promises of greatness or a sizable inheritance. Not that I cared. My stomach was growling, and he was offering to pay.
A hint of trouble lit up in me. "Really?" I said with a slow smile.
"You think you can make up for this?" I stepped closer, seeing him blush under my gaze and enjoying every bit of it.
"Just so you know, I don't make things easy. Hope you're ready to pay whatever price I ask."
Cheng's Pov:
I watched her with caution.
This woman was unbelievable. I was offering her a new meal to make up for what happened, which was mostly my fault, but she wasn't innocent either. Yet she stepped closer with a mischievous look.
Did she not understand personal space?
I wanted to tell her to step back, but that would only make her think she was getting to me. I just needed to replace her meal and leave.
"I fear what you're scheming," I muttered, clearing my throat and looking away. "Fine. What do you want?"
"Along with a new bowl, you owe me a small bottle of baijiu. Your clumsiness ruined my tasting experience," she said, clearly satisfied.
Before I could argue, she grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward a vendor.
Steam rose from bowls on woven mats, and the vendor brightened when he saw us. "Two servings and a bottle of baijiu, please," she said, still holding my arm carelessly.
I gave her an annoyed look, already wondering what trouble she'd cause next. But I didn't pull away, It felt like a small adventure.
The vendor served two large bowls, steam drifting up. She nudged me with a grin. "See anything you like?"
I frowned at the simple setup. "I don't think street food is—"
Before I could finish, she twirled noodles on her chopsticks and waved them under my nose. The smell was tempting. I opened my mouth to object, but she stuffed the noodles in before I could react.
I froze, cheeks full as I chewed. The rich, spicy flavors hit me all at once, washing away any complaint. "This… this is amazing," I mumbled around the bite.
——————
Mei laughed at his reaction. "See? Taste good, doesn't it? But that's quite enough stealing from my portion, order yours."
He shot her a sly look, attempting to snatch more noodles. "It might not taste as good as yo— Ah!" His hand was slapped away playfully.
Their laughter and playful teasing filled the alley and made people look their way.
"Keep your hands away from my food." Mei grinned. "Go on and order yours."
Soon dusk fell, and the market slowly emptied. Most vendors packed their things and left.
Mei and Cheng sat on the step of the now quiet food stall. She sipped her baijiu and watched the last few people hurry home.
"Look there. That man's hat is too big for his head," She said, nudging Cheng, who smiled and said. "And that woman's sash could cover a whole village. Their clothes outdo the courtiers."
This continued for a while until they went quiet and just watched.
After a moment, Mei tilted her head. "So, what is your name?"
"Cheng."
"What does it mean?"
He thought for a moment. "Cheng means succeed or accomplish. My father hoped I would carry on our family's dynasty."
Mei smiled, pleased she had guessed right.
He looked at her. "And yours?"
"Mei. It means grace or beauty. My mother said I was born with it."
"You do not seem—"
Mei shot him a bold look, daring him to finish. But he only smirked.
A soft song drifted through the night, filling the quiet street.
She handed him the bottle of baijiu. But he waved it away with a small, embarrassed smile. "Baijiu and I have a bad past."
She gave him a teasing look. "So many things you cannot handle. First street food, now this."
Mei drank the last drop and looked at the empty street. "The market is fully closed now."
Cheng stood and stretched. "Then this stranger should leave. Maybe we will meet again in a calmer way."
She smiled.
Then he bowed a little and slipped into the darkness.